Murat Gunel, MD, FACS, FAHA, FAANS

Murat Günel, MD, chair of neurosurgery, specializes in the treatment of complex brain aneurysms, vascular malformations, and brain tumors. He employs advanced techniques such as Gamma Knife radiosurgery, a precise form of radiation therapy targeting brain tumors and other abnormalities without a traditional surgical incision.

Dr. Günel’s research interests include gene discovery in diseases of the human brain, focusing on brain development, vascular disease, and tumors. Utilizing next-generation genomic technologies, Dr. Günel's lab studies the genetic and epigenetic causes of brain and central nervous system tumors, particularly meningiomas. The aim is to define the molecular makeup of these tumors to guide the development of novel therapies, including oncolytic viruses.

In addition to holding the title of Sterling Professor of Neurosurgery, Dr. Gunel is a professor of genetics and neuroscience at Yale School of Medicine. He is also the co-director of the Yale Program on Neurogenetics and the director of the Yale Program in Brain Tumor Research.

Recognized for his pioneering contributions to neurological surgery and research, Dr. Günel has received numerous awards, including the Ralph G. Dacey Medal for Outstanding Cerebrovascular Research and the WINN Award from the Society of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Günel earned his medical degree from Istanbul University and completed both his internship and residency at Yale New Haven Hospital.